Manama, May 10 (BNA) -- The Specific Council for Vocational Training (Banking Sector) held its second meeting for the year 2011 chaired by Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain. The Council reviewed the total activities and progress of the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) as well as its financial statements for the year ending 31st December 2010. The Institute’s budget and financial activities for the year 2011 was also discussed and ratified.

BIBF’s Director, Mr. Gary Muriwai briefed board members on 2010 performance and the first quarter of 2011. Highlights included 2011 participant numbers being 20% greater than the same period of the 2010 year and that BIBF is on track to achieve participant numbers in excess of 20,000 for 2011

Muriwai stated that BIBF results were attributable to both maintainence and growth in the BIBF international linkages, the support of the Financial Sector and BIBF itself meeting the highest international standards which set BIBF apart from many of the other education and training organisations in Bahrain and left no doubt about BIBF’s commitment in raising the bar in quality business education.

The Council was presented the progress on its new building premises earmarked for 2014. It was reiterated that the purpose was for BIBF to have state of the art facilities to improve the quality of education and training provided to the financial community in Bahrain.

The board discussed and approved the implementation of a new state - of - the art LMS system which will provide a unique benefit to the Financial Sector in regards to learning management for all their staff training needs.